Newsletter Archives
A Weighty Issue - August 2006
"If not now, when?"
Welcome friends - to our very first issue and the beginning of our healthy adventure together.
Many exciting things have happened to me over the past 4 years. What started out as a private and solemn attempt to save my own life turned into the opportunity to share and spread the word about healthy living and most importantly, hope. As a morbidly obese person, I was no different than you, busy with life, home, work and family. I was stressed, tired and felt like I was being pulled in 50 different directions, overwhelmed by life and apathy. Barely keeping my head above water, I was living a slow death. Dying at my own hand, by my own fork. At 320lbs, I didn't think I had a prayer. Do you know that feeling of helplessness?
Four years ago, I had my epiphany.
It was late afternoon and this was serious business. The kids were listening intently, and my voice, low and quiet, demanded their full attention. "This is what the fire alarm sounds like and if this sounds, Mommy will come and get you". The twins, only 3 years old, looked up at me slightly frightened. My oldest at 10, realized I meant business. "If the alarm sounds, we'll get the fire escape ladder out of your closet and Mommy will put it out the window." I said. The three of them followed behind me closely. As I hoisted the ladder out of the closet and moved toward the window, I froze. I slowly looked at the window, down at the ladder and then at each of my three children. Their blue eyes followed intently as I looked back at the window. I glanced back at my young ones and then at the face of my oldest, my wise one. He saw it, the realization, in my eyes and he knew exactly what I was thinking. The heat crept up to my face from my chest. The world suddenly sounded as if it was rushing past my ears like a waterfall. I looked down at my body, my girth wide and my belly hanging and thought, "My God, what have I done? I can't fit out that window."
Frequently, I am asked how I did it...how did you lose half your body weight? How did I stay focused and committed? How did I not give up?
I had to accept that change was necessary, right now, no excuses. In that moment, I realized that to 4 other people I was the world and this change had to start with the ABC's.
A - Acknowledge. I was morbidly obese, responsible for it and only I could change it. Yes, it is true - I was in denial!
B - Believe. I had to believe that change was possible and that I could do it. Could I lose a 160lbs? No way - but I could lose 5lbs. That much I knew and I did, 32 times over.
C - Commit. I had to commit to change, be ready to work and recognize that the easy choice wasn't necessarily the healthiest. I had to commit to a healthier lifestyle, change the way I thought and most importantly, commit to getting healthy for me.
That's how I started. Are you ready for the
ABC's?
BLUEBERRIES: (more than just good taste!)
I love blueberries and this time of year, they are plentiful. Not only are these tasty little morsels amazingly healthy, they are also known for being:
- #1 for antioxidants compared to most fruit and veggies. What is an antioxidant, you ask? These handy dandy partners help take care of some nasty things in our bodies called "free radicals". Free radicals can lead to certain cancers and other age-related diseases.
- In studies with rats, blueberries have shown to slow down the progression of age related illness and conditions such as memory and balance loss.
- Blueberries help reduce the amount of "bad" cholesterol in our blood.
- Blueberries also assist in reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and in keeping that part of our body healthy.
- These tasty gems are high in fibre and potassium and low in sodium. That's all good!
* Information courtesy of the http://www.bcblueberry.com/
Add them to your smoothies, muffins or cereals!
TASTY TIDBIT:
Many of you know that I have a very favourite cookbook. Admittedly, I am cooking challenged. Having very clear instructions is important. My family, having sampled my disasters, would say very important. That being said, my favourite cookbook and all around hit at the dinner table is any recipe that comes from " Eat, Shrink and Be Merry" by Janet and Greta Podleski. With their permission, I share with you this delicious recipe, a healthier version of a classic dessert:
Rhapsody in Blueberry (makes 8 servings)
Filling:
- 6 cups (3 pints) fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest
Topping:
- 1-cup quick-cooking oats (not instant)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp apple or orange juice
- 1-cup low fat vanilla yoghurt or light whipped topping (optional)
Preheat oven to 375F. Spray a 9x13 inch-baking dish with cooking spray. Add blueberries. Sprinkle blueberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix well and set aside.
To make topping, combine oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add melted butter and juice. Using a fork, stir until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over coated blueberries.
Bake for 30 minutes, until blueberries are bubbling around the edge of pan and crumb topping is golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with a dollop of low fat vanilla yoghurt or light whipped topping if desired.
Per serving: Calories 256, Total fat 6.9g, saturated fat 3.7g, protein 3g, carbohydrate 48g, fiber 4.4g, cholesterol 16mg, sodium 12mg.
* Permission of http://www.eatshrinkandbemerry.com/
Acknowledge, Believe and Commit to becoming a healthier you!
Stephanie
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step." Martin Luther King, Jr.
